CARPE NOCTEM

Carpe Noctem - theater review for Hollywood Fringe Fest - HFF 2012 Review by Pauline Adamek. ***This review first appeared on www.ArtsBeatLA.com *** Feathers, sheer white chiffon, frilly can-can skirts, sequins, bling, fishnets and thong bikinis – CARPE NOCTEM (‘seize the night’) is an intimate evening of authentic French Cabaret dance numbers with a little comedy. Five sensual Parisian cabaret dancers, each with individual personalities, perform classic showgirl routines to the music of Max Raabe, Juliette Greco and Enoch Light, among others. Choreographer and French cabaret dancer Lola OhLaLa brings an extensive background performing and studying in France to present a production brimming with a corps of talented and sexy dance... full review

First "Fringe" event I have been to, so had no notion what to expect, from either the event or area. Did not "get" the characters the girls were trying to project, at first. Dancing pretty girls are nice, but... ? The theme became clear as the romp unfolded. This is a romp. Girls having fun playing girls of disparate character having fun. What Caberet was and is, or as imagined. Bit of warning - if you sit in the front row, you get incorporated into the performance. Really should have expected that. Thanks "Lola". :)... full review

For a show based on dance, I think the show lacked in that area a little. I believe the issue had a lot to do with the really tight space at the venue. The dancing wasn't bad, just not impressive. It seemed awkward and uncoordinated at times. I loved the lone male cast member whose clowning abilities were excellent. I also liked the dancer who seemed to be part clown and part dancer. Her bit with the masking tape was very humorous. The best part of the show was the several jumps that ended in the splits with hard thumps on the floor, during the cancan number. I don't know why it made me laugh, but I found it hilarious. This show needs more floor room.... full review